Kansas has plenty to offer its residents – from the beautiful prairies and expansive fields, to the state’s rich history and warm hospitality. If you’re considering living somewhere in Kansas then chances are you also have a budget you’re hoping to stay under in your home or apartment search. As of June, the median home sale price in Kansas is $251,400.
If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected a list of 4 of the most affordable places to live in Kansas – and they all have a median home sale price under $251,400. From Topeka to Wichita, find out which cities made the list.
#1: Topeka
Median home price: $175,000
Average sale price per square foot: $135
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $800
Median household income: $49,647
Nearest major metro: Kansas City (60 miles)
Topeka, KS homes for sale
Topeka, KS apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $175,000, Topeka comes in at number one on our list of most affordable places to live in Kansas. There are about 126,600 residents living in this mid-sized city. Living in Topeka, you can visit the Kansas State Capitol, discover the local history at Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden, explore the Combat Air Museum, and stroll through the Topeka Zoo where you can enjoy nature and see the animals.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home?
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
#2: Salina
Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home?
Median home price: $184,000
Average sale price per square foot: $87
Median household income: $56,945
Nearest major metro: Wichita (90 miles)
Salina, KS homes for sale
Salina, KS apartments for rent
The second city to make our list is Salina, home to about 45,800. The home prices in Salina are about 67K less than the state’s average, making it an awesome affordable option. Salina is located in the heart of Kansas, where you’ll find picturesque views of the plains region. The city’s charming downtown has several landmarks, including restaurants like The Cozy Inn and Martinelli’s Little Italy, museums like The Garage Automotive Museum, and venues like Theatre Salina. You can find plenty of parks in the area like Indian Rock Park, which has trails and scenic views of the Smoky Hill River.
#3: Wichita
Median home price: $210,000
Average sale price per square foot: $121
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $764
Median household income: $53,466
Nearest major metro: Topeka (140 miles)
Wichita, KS homes for sale
Wichita, KS apartments for rent
The median home sale price for our third city, Wichita, is $210,000 which is about $40K less than the median home sale price in Kansas. There are about 397,500 residents in the city, making it the largest city in the state. Make sure to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo, explore Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, discover the exhibits at the Museum of World Treasures, and enjoy a show or performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
#4: Kansas City
Median home price: $225,000
Average sale price per square foot: $145
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $914
Median household income: $46,424
Nearest major metro: Kansas City, MO (4 miles)
Kansas City, KS homes for sale
Kansas City, KS apartments for rent
The final spot on our list of affordable cities to live in Kansas is Kansas City. When living in this city of 156,600 people, you can visit the Kansas Speedway, shop at the Legends Outlets Kansas City, and enjoy a game or event at Children’s Mercy Park. You can also take a short drive over to Kansas City, Missouri, where you’ll find plenty to do and see as well.
Methodology: All cities must have over 40,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Kansas. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during June 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
